In a later statement Nuttall said that May's move was a "cynical decision driven more by the weakness of Corbyn's Labour Party than the good of the country."

The leader of the SNP, Nicola Sturgeon, said that the government would use the election to take the country to the right and try to push through a hard Brexit and deeper cuts.

Green Party co-leader Caroline Lucas said her party would present a "bold, positive vision for a different kind of Britain''.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron said that his successor was "brave" and "right" to call an early election.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond said that a general election was in the country's interest and would strenghten "PM's negotiating hand in Europe."

Labour MP for Middlesborough South and East Cleveland, Tom Blenkinsop, confirmed this morning that he will not stand in the June election, citing "significant and irreconcilable differences" with the current Labour leadership.

In Clacton, former Ukip MP Douglas Carswell will face former Ukip donor Aaron Banks for the seat.

The president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, said that he had had a "good phone call" with May regarding the election.

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